Hurricane Preparedness: USCG Port Conditions

Hurricane season makes it a great time to review the United States Coast Guard port conditions that are issued when tropical weather  affects a particular port. Amver participants, and other mariners, should pay close attention to Marine Safety Information Broadcasts (MSIB) for updates.

Pre-Storm Preparations

• Hurricane season begins June 1st.  All vessel owners and operators should review hurricane plans and checklists.  Recommend reviewing the Industry Hurricane Plan (link to Word document).

Port Condition Whiskey- 72 hours prior to Gale Force Winds

• The Captain of the Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Broadcasts (MSIB) as needed to keep mariners informed.

Port Condition X-Ray- 48 hours prior to Gale Force Winds

• The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
• Bunkering and Lightering are prohibited in the inshore anchorages.
• Ships should complete cargo operations.
• Anticipate the Captain of the Port will order the port closed to all vessel movements except for emergency and rescue traffic.

Port Conditions Yankee- 24 hours prior to Gale Force Winds

• The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
• Facilities will be made aware that the Captain of the Port will order cessation of cargo handling operations during condition zulu.
• Ship's personnel should inspect mooring/anchoring lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.
• Movements will be permitted by the Captain of the Port only when a suitable lay berth or anchorage space is available nearby.
• As a last resort, large crude tankers may be allowed to ballast down in the channel.
• The Captain of the Port may close the port to all marine traffic except for emergency/rescue traffic when sustained winds exceed 35 knots.

Port Condition Zulu- 12 hours prior to Gale Force Winds

• The Captain of the Port MAY update radio broadcasts and MSIBs to notify the maritime community that the port is closed to all commercial traffic with the exception of emergency/rescue traffic.
• All cargo handling operations will be suspended.
• Ship's personnel should inspect the mooring/anchor lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.

Post Storm

• Restoration of commercial operations.
• Channels surveyed to insure safe transit.
• Vessel traffic prioritized.

Photo credit: USCG photo